Thread: Viking No 345 handsaw

Sandvik saws are good. I have had one for over 40 years but the plastic handle is falling to bits now. Guess I should make a nice wood handle for it.
Regards
John

I really don't know what the maker is. Has a big VIKING in the etch but says made with Sandvick alloy charcol steel.
So I'll need to do some research.

Photos. Any help with dating them would be appreciated.

Lyle

Before I start, I'm sure you will be able to put both saws to good use once they are sharpened up.

Mostly people collecting saws and revering saws look for Disston models made before 1955, which was when HK Porter bought the Disston brand. Unfortunately HKP did no favours for the Disston name and produced what is generally regarded as a lower grade of saw both in terms of aethetics and saw quality. The circular saw was taking over and the demand for hand saws was waning. Since just before WW2 Disston had simplified their medallions and now just said "DISSTON USA" on them and this continued into the HKP ownership. The factory was moved to Danville from Philadelphia in the late 1950s (I think it was a transition starting around 1956) and at some point the medallion changed to the double "DISSTON DISSTON." The hardware may be steel or aluminium.

So your back saw is probably under the HKP ownership from 1960 to 1978. This is a shot from the 1964 catalogue that looks remarkably similar to your saw.

Disston No.4 catalogue 1964.jpg

I don't have any information on the Sandvik saw other than to say it was quite common for their saws not to display a medallion and that by a quirk of fate Sandvik bought the Disston division from HK Porter in 1978. It ceased handsaw production in 1984.

Regards
Paul